Chapters Further the Educational Goals of ASMC. (Chapter Idea Interchange).

Introduction

The American Society of Military Comptrollers awards over $25,000 in scholarships and grants each year through its National Awards Program. But in addition to these national awards many of our chapters have mirror programs at the local level. How does a chapter get started in awarding money to individuals that want to advance their education or careers?

Establishing a Local Scholarship Program

A scholarship program is an excellent way to reward excellence and promote financial management. Here are some basic guidelines for starting a scholarship program for local high school students and ASMC members.

Select a scholarship chairperson, or choose to utilize the current awards chairperson. The chairperson must then go to work on the various aspects of the program: marketing, fundraising, applicant collection, judging, and presentation.

If a scholarship is to be awarded locally, establish a fund through various fundraisers and activities. This can involve anything from product sales to car washes, or just using membership dues revenue. Funds can be raised each year, or if enough money is collected, it can be invested and awards given from the earnings generated.

Create local forms and applications (use the ASMC National forms as a guide). When creating a form, ensure that the applicant has plenty of space to complete the answers; collect enough information for the judging panel members to make their decision. Keep the rules with the applications in order to limit the number of calls the chairperson will receive.

Generate interest and participation in the program through marketing. A great way to get the word out is by advertising in your chapter newsletter. Promote student programs through high schools in your chapter area. Guidance counselors and career counselors are excellent points of contact.

Establish the criteria for judging. ASMC National's criteria, based upon a point system, can serve as an example. After applications have been received and judged for selection, submit them to the ASMC National Awards Program for competition. All member applicants should be submitted by February 28, 2002. For high school students, the top two candidates should be submitted by March 31, 2002. It is then time to award and recognize your local winners. This can be done at a chapter luncheon sometime in the early summer. Be sure to submit your photos to the ASMC National Headquarters for publication in the Armed Forces Comptroller.

Certified Defense Financial Management Program Scholarships

Many chapters are beginning to provide financial assistance for members who wish to test for the Certified Defense Financial Manager Program. In the Winter 2001 issue of the Armed Forces Comptroller, the Tampa Bay Chapter shared the details of its scholarship program. Under this program, the chapter reimburses the amount it costs to sit for two exams to any chapter member who has passed all three modules of the exam.

In an innovative incentive, Heidelberg ASMC rewarded volunteers and simultaneously encouraged chapter members to take the Certified Defense Financial Management (CDFM) examination. The chapter president presented certificates to forty people who assisted with the spring fundraising event. These certificates were good for a significant rebate on the test. This incentive encouraged members to volunteer for chapter events, helped the chapter to earn funds to award scholarships, and allowed members to receive a discount on the certification examination.

The Washingtom chapter grants $50.00 per module for the first 100 modules passed, on a first-come first-serve basis, upon providing evidence of passing. The amount paid under the program is capped at $5,000 (100 modules passed @ $50.00 each). Once the $5,000 cap is reached, the chapter executive board will evaluate the success of the program and determine if the program should continue or be eliminated. Reimbursement is not retroactive. Individual must be a member of the Washington chapter before taking any of the modules to qualify for reimbursement.

Conclusion

The mission of the ASMC is to promote education, training, and professional development in all aspects of military comptrollership. Chapter scholarship and educational grant programs take us one step closer to fulfilling that mission.